CHENNAI: Participating in the 40th anniversary celebrations of Sri Sivakumar Educational and Charitable Trust/Agaram Foundation on Saturday, actor Suriya spoke extensively on the National Education Policy 2019, the plight of government school students, and his concern over these students writing Neet.
Talking about the National Education Policy draft, Suriya said, "The policy has not reached people yet. Most students and parents are not aware of the draft. The draft suggests entrance exams from third standard itself.
How is it fair to conduct a common entrance examination without providing equal education to everyone? This is a matter concerning the lives of 30 crore students. So, this can change only if parents and teachers take initiatives to ensure the right education for their children. Everyone should have their say on the draft and voice out their opinion."
He further added, "Schools being handled by single teachers are currently closed, and children studying there cannot make choices based on such policies. Three languages are imposed in early education, and government school students are most vulnerable to imposition of languages. There are no enough teachers in government schools and almost 30 per cent of students study without any guidance of teachers. How is it then that one expects such students to appear for Neet or even write six semesters and all?"
Elaborating further, Surya said, "Not only in schools, there are entrance exams for admissions in arts and science colleges too. But students cannot prepare for the entrance exam, and if they fail the exams, how can all students get education? As a result of entrance exams, private coaching centres flourish and private tuition schools earn over Rs 5,000 crore all across the nation. The learning process becomes mere coaching, which eventually leads to schools and colleges becoming redundant."
